Guinea Pigs Pet Care brought to you by Doolittle's Pet Stores... Caring for your Guinea Pig If you are looking for the perfect pet for a small child or for someone that has not kept pets before, then at DOOLITTLE'S we think the guinea pig is just what you are looking for. Guinea pigs are native to South America and were probably first domesticated by the now extinct Incas, they were kept not as pets but for food. Guinea pigs are still found wild in the grasslands and mountains of Peru, Argentina and Uruguay. They were introduced to Europe in the early sixteenth century possibly by the Dutch and were quite rare and valuable. Nobody knows quite how the Guinea pig got its name - it squeals like a small pig and perhaps it was first sold for one guinea, or was it the fact that the ships sailed to Europe from Guiana on the South American coast and as so often happens, words get changed. Guinea pigs are rodents, their closest relative is not the rat, but the porcupine!

2. DSPCA - Pet Care - Guinea Pigs PET CARE Guinea Pigs (Information courtesy of RSPCA) The Right Pet for You Guineapigs are friendly and easily tamed, but they need commitment and regularhttp://www.dspca.ie/care13.htm

wildlifepet insurancefishrabbits ... other pets PET CARE - Guinea Pigs (Information courtesy of RSPCA) The Right Pet for You Guinea pigs are friendly and easily tamed, but they need commitment and regular attention. Long-haired guinea pigs can be especially difficult to look after. What do Guinea Pigs need? Companionship - to be with other guinea pigs. Feeding twice a day, with a mixture of meadow hay, green stuff, pellets, washed fruit and vegetables. A constant supply of fresh, clean drinking water in a drip-feed bottle with a metal spout. A large weatherproof home kept off the ground, out of direct sunlight and strong winds. It should be moved to an indoor area or porch in cold weather. A separate sleeping area for each animal inside the home. A clean layer of peat or wood chippings on the floor of their home and plenty of soft hay for bedding and burrowing.

Bunny Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Mice and More! We have everything you'll need for your small pets, rodents and pocket pets: housing, bedding, food, treats, toys and accessories. If you have bunny rabbits or guinea pigs, check out our Accessories page for leashes and litter pans, as both pets can be very easily trained to use a litter box and walk on a lead. If you have pet mice or any other small pocket pet, take a look at our Mini Motel on the Cages page. Click on an image to view products Search: Products for Bunny Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Pet Mice and More Moon Glow Run-About BallThe Moon Glow Run-About Ball glows in the dark. Like a rolling exercise wheel it's perfect for pet mice or hamsters and will provide you and your mouse with hours of entertainment. Cholla ChewsThese tasty sun-dried crunchy cactus treats encourage the gnawing behavior instinctive to rabbits, guinea pigs and all pocket pets and help to keep their teeth trim and clean. CagesCheck out our housing options for pet mice, hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs. We have a Mini-Motel with an exercise wheel and a lookout tower, a double-decker guinea pig and dwarf rabbit cage, and a large rabbit cage.

Pet Care Tips: Guinea Pig Care and Feeding Looking for a pet that's gentle and loveable but doesn't require the run of the house? Then you may want to consider a guinea pig. Guinea pigs are one of several small, domesticated mammal species commonly known as "pocket pets." In 1996, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 583,000 U.S. households kept at least one guinea pig as a pet. While we're not sure how they got their name, guinea pigs have been bred for more than 400 years. They descend from wild porcupine-like rodents of South America and are called "cavies" (a shortened form of their Latin name) by many breeders and owners. A guinea pig's claim to fame is that it is the only domestic rodent with no tail. Behavior Guinea pigs rarely bite or scratch, but they can be messy-scattering food, water and bedding all over their cages. Their vocabulary includes about nine sounds, from whistling to purring to squealing. They are most active at dusk and dawn, but easily adjust to the routine of your household. Guinea pigs can be fun to watch. They like to explore new settings, but if scared, they'll either freeze or scatter in different directions. Choosing your new pet Before welcoming Piggy into your home, it's a good idea to read up on guinea pigs and their care. Also, find a veterinarian in your area who is comfortable treating guinea pigs; not all of them are.

About Seagull's Guinea Pig Compendium

The Guinea Pig Compendium is one of the most comprehensive sources of guinea pig information on the Internet. Our focus is to give current and future pet owners the knowledge they need to help their guinea pigs attain, and exceed, their five-to-seven year expected lifespan. Its detailed care guide (providing more useful and thorough information than most books sold in pet stores), general articles and vet finder make it an invaluable resource, and one of the most popular destinations for guinea pig owners on the World Wide Web. In memory of: Ebony (March, 1996 - January, 2001) Panda (February, 1996 - April, 2000)

Meet the guinea pigs behind the scenes!

The Guinea Pig Compendium wouldn't be a success, or even in existence, if it weren't for Seagull's very own guinea pigs . Be sure to stop in and meet the cavies that started it all...

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We have received a handful of World Wide Web awards for the quality of our pages. You can view our awards , and visit the sites that bestowed them upon us.

6. Guinea Pig Care Offers general information on handling and caring for guinea pigs, as well as advice on dealing with medical problems. information exists on the medical care and treatment of individual pet guinea pigs. Even less information is availablehttp://www.ahc.umn.edu/rar/MNAALAS/GPig.html

Care of Guinea Pigs

General

Guinea pigs are hystricomorph rodents (related to chinchillas and porcupines) that originated from the Andes Mountains region of South America. They were probably first domesticated by the Indians of Peru, who used them for food and as sacrificial offerings to their gods. In the 16th century Dutch explorers introduced guinea pigs to Europe, and selective breeding and captive rearing began in earnest. Guinea pigs are very popular pets because of their availability, docile temperaments, tendency not to bite or scratch when handled, and relatively clean habits. They are not long-lived, which can be disconcerting to owners (especially children). Many parents, however, believe that having their children experience the relatively short period of companionship and subsequent death is a meaningful way to expose children to the "ups and downs" of life. In their natural habitat, guinea pigs live in open, grassy areas. They seek shelter in naturally protected areas or burrows deserted by other animals. Guinea pigs are sociable animals and tend to live in groups. They are strictly herbivorous (plant-eating) and do most of their foraging for grasses, roots, fruits and seeds in the late afternoon and early evening.

For all your pets needs We accept most major credit cards All Prices are inclusive of VAT Delivery Charges For England, Scotland (Excl Highlands and Islands) And Wales Caring For Your Guinea Pig Guinea pigs or Cavies are naturally clean animals that make ideal pets especially for children but they can be a little timid so be gentle ! Guinea pigs were originally discovered in South America and are closely related to the chinchilla which also comes from South America. They can be indoor or outdoor pets and there are many different types. They are usually distinguished by their hair and coat. They are commonly classified as Smooth Coats, Abyssinian or Peruvian. Guinea Pigs usually have a life-span of 4-7 years if looked after properly. Here are some handy tips to help you care for your guinea pig ! Where will your guinea pig live ? Your guinea pig needs a good well constructed hutch, if being kept inside. Alpine pet shop can help you choose a suitable one. Ensure the hutch has a water proof roof with an overhang and the floor should be treated with a suitable protective sealant. Ideally the hutch should have two rooms to allow the guinea pigs to have a separate bedroom. If being kept indoors then a cage large enough to allow the guinea pig to run around should be purchased. Do not place the cage in a draft or in direct sunlight.

135 Cornwall Street Plymouth 01752 665227 We are members of the Pet Care Trust Guinea Pigs Guinea pigs or Cavies are naturally clean animals that make ideal pets especially for children but they can be a little timid so be gentle ! Guinea pigs were originally discovered in South America and are closely related to the chinchilla which also comes from South America. They can be indoor or outdoor pets and there are many different types. They are usually distinguished by their hair and coat. They are commonly classified as Smooth Coats, Abyssinian or Peruvian. Guinea Pigs usually have a life-span of 4-7 years if looked after properly. Here are some handy tips to help you care for your guinea pig ! Where will your guinea pig live ? Your guinea pig needs a good well constructed hutch, if being kept inside. Alpine pet shop can help you choose a suitable one. Ensure the hutch has a water proof roof with an overhang and the floor should be treated with a suitable protective sealant. Ideally the hutch should have two rooms to allow the guinea pigs to have a separate bedroom. If being kept indoors then a cage large enough to allow the guinea pig to run around should be purchased. Do not place the cage in a draught or in direct sunlight.

Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Conchester Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital offering care to dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, birds, ferrets, and other exotics. Important information UPDATES: New features at www.conchestervets.com!

12. How To Care For Guinea Pigs 5. Pair Them off. guinea pigs are happiest when with other guinea pigs,so many pet care books urge owners to keep two or more together.http://www.hsus.org/ace/11806

About UsField ProjectsHow You Can HelpPublications ... How to Care for Guinea Pigs How to Care for Guinea Pigs A descendant of the wild guinea pigs of South America, today's domesticated guinea pig is viewed by many as an "easy" pet for children. Many parents select a guinea pig as a first pet for their child, believing a small pet needs only a small amount of care. It is important to understand that these little guys have lots of requirements, including a roomy cage, specialized diet, daily cleanup, and gentle handling, and that an adult should be the primary caretaker. 1. Make Room at the Inn They may be small, but guinea pigs require ample space to move about. Make sure their living quarters are at least 18 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 25 inches deep. Guinea pigs housed in larger cages are more likely to be active. Do not use aquariums, as they provide poor ventilation, and mesh or wire-floor cages hurt guinea pigs' tender feet. Remember also to provide plenty of high-quality hay, which these rodents use for nesting and snacking. Do not use materials such as sawdust, cedar chips, or fabrics that may cause respiratory or other health problems. Finally, provide your guinea pig with a gnawing log (such as an untreated fruit tree branch), tunnels to crawl through, and platforms to climb on. Add a heavy food bowl resistant to tipping and gnawing and a water bottle with a sipper tube. 2. Get a Little Closer

13. Rabbit, Horse, And Other Pet Care Rabbit, Horse, and Other pet care. Looking for advice on caring forpets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, or hamsters? Wanthttp://www.hsus.org/ace/12566

15. Top Picks - Books On Care Of Guinea Pigs 5) ASPCA pet care Guides for Kids guinea pigs By Mark Evans (foreward by RogerCaras), this book is probably too simplistic for adults, but a good choicehttp://exoticpets.about.com/library/reviews/aatpgpbooks.htm

16. Guinea Pig Care Guide Finding a guinea Pig pet stores only if the store/staff are knowledgeable aboutguinea pigs and keep them in appropriate, clean housing with a good diet.http://exoticpets.about.com/library/weekly/aa101201a.htm

Females are called sows, males called boars, and babies called piglets.

Hairless varieties also available, sometimes called "skinny" ppigs.

Appearance

Approximately 10 inches long, and 2-3 pounds.

Rounded stout body, no visible tail (a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin).

Variety of breeds with different coat types and color patterns. among the The most commonly found breeds are the American (short smooth hair coat), Abyssinian (short coat with "swirls" called rosettes) and the Peruvian (long haired). A wide variety of colors are seen.

Before You Decide on Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are social animals, and you should consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company. A pair of females is a good choice; a pair of males may be fine but may fight.